Technology/SaaS
A churn model that correctly identified a customer who will churn 85-90% of the time.
Data science, refreshingly human.
Your AI and data partner for high-stakes work.
We act as your fractional head of cloud, AI and machine learning, from strategy to build to infrastructure, when your data is sensitive or your deadline won't move.
Since 2016, our team has been the go-to machine intelligence partner providing strategy and execution on sensitive data and complex technology needs for cutting edge startups, child safety non-profits, Fortune 10s, and more.
“Working with [Acorn] was always just a refreshing, joyous part of the week. I think it's very hard to find a consulting partner who can deeply listen and really understand your context, but then also quickly turn that into some kind of conceptual direction and really showing that understanding. [The team] did exactly that and think they would be a great partner for really anyone that's in this space...”
The proof of our impact across many verticals
Startups
“It is with great pleasure that I recommend Mike Zawitkowski. I’ve consecutively hired Mike to work at three early-stage companies where I was COO. One of the best compliments I can give Mike is his unique ability to examine complexity and derive straightforward solutions. He has done as easily with Fortune 500 companies as with pre-product start-ups and he’s applied this skill to issues involving all facets of business. Mike possesses a wonderful intellectual curiosity for business: figuring out how things work, asking the “right” questions, using judgment to define what is most important, and clearly keeping the goal to implement solutions that make things work better. He helps to prioritize work in ways that appreciably move companies forward. Mike pairs his curiosity with an unusually broad and deep skill set that touches most aspects of business on a global scale. Again, it is my pleasure to recommend Mike Zawitkowski to solve the most complex problems in your business.”
Financial services
A 6-10 week valuation and report process cut to 6-10 days at Avenue M Advisors, with every number traceable to its source.
Legal
“Software people generally are a drag to work with. They kind of have the personality of a potato. Rigo and Mike were the total opposite of that. Acorn takes the time to understand everything about your business and exactly what you're looking for. Working with them has been absolutely fantastic and I would do it all over again 10,000 times.”
Consumer packaged goods
A product testing platform and automated troubleshooting for a consumer healthtech and consumer packaged goods company reduced the need for customer support intervention.
E-commerce
Automated troubleshooting for a company that serves consumers directly can ship replacement parts automatically when needed.
Agencies and service providers
“I admire Mike’s ability to keep his cool and maintain a loyalty in the face of extreme challenges. I highly recommend Mike and look forward to working with him in the near future.”
Sports
“Mike has designed data sets that fuel both near-term and long-term business strategies. Mike can handle literally anything thrown at him; the bigger the challenge, the more his eyes light up! I appreciate that he never hesitates to challenge anyone or any idea, and pushes the team to listen to data and user behavior over personal biases. Beneath all the brains is an extraordinary human being that’s a consummate team player and a joy to work alongside every day.”
Entertainment
“Mike Zawitkowski is an outstanding person. He really knows how to take care of business. I'm particularly impressed by the way he follows up on my questions, no matter how obscure. I'm sure he's busier than anything, but he makes me feel like I'm his only client. The dude is organized. And smart. And nice. Do whatever you can to keep him around.”
Manufacturing
A testing platform built for a physical product after key team members left before launch.
IoT
A stalled team's makeup was changed until it exceeded break-even, and the end client's conference was a success.
Construction and trades
“I'm so impressed with how well they listen. They listen first. They understand your problems, they understand what you're working towards, which saves a ton of time and a ton of expectation alignment towards the back end. And then I think that outside of that, once he's able to understand your problems, he's able to put together really good teams that can execute your vision faster than most other people you meet.”
Logistics
“Working with Mike and Acorn and the team has been fantastic that they really took the time to understand our business requirements. ... having that opportunity to work with Mike and the team to develop and go through that discovery process around designing a new technology platform, you know, which is fantastic for us that is scalable and flexible ...”
Automotive
For a global automaker, through a software partner: forecasting and prediction of warranty claims and pricing-related forecasting, including standardized data inputs and importable forecast outputs.
Healthcare
“They are just super sincere and genuine... very experienced and knowledgeable ... I have been in very good hands and the communication has been top notch. I feel at ease and not stressed and I just know that I am in such good hands with their team.”
Non-profit
“Working with [Acorn] was always just a refreshing, joyous part of the week. I think it's very hard to find a consulting partner who can deeply listen and really understand your context, but then also quickly turn that into some kind of conceptual direction and really showing that understanding. [The team] did exactly that and think they would be a great partner for really anyone that's in this space...”
Education
“It's amazing. It's a wonderful experience... working with Acorn, you could not be in better hands...”
Where Acorn shines
Is your project too important, too sensitive, or too urgent to leave to chance?
DOING IT YOURSELF DOES NOT MAKE SENSE
When the data is too sensitive for a general-purpose tool, or the team you need does not exist in-house yet, you need a partner who has done it before.
THE STAKES ARE HIGH
Sensitive data and real business risk, so the work has to hold up from day one.
THE TIMELINE IS TIGHT
A tradeshow date or a press launch that will not move. We build to the deadline, not around it.
Start with a Discovery Roadmap
You leave with a plan, a cost estimate, and an honest go or no-go.
What you get:
- Workshops
- Stakeholder interviews
- An idea and risk check
- A validation report
- A technology roadmap
- Investment recommendations and estimates
Fixed-price, delivered within 30 days. If you continue with Acorn, the full fee is credited 100% to your first year of fees.
Pencil in an intro call
How it works
An intro call
Tell us what you are launching, fixing, or trying to decide.
A fixed-price discovery roadmap
Delivered within 30 days.
An ongoing partnership
The discovery fee is credited 100% to your first year of fees.
One accountable lead, the right specialists behind them.
A leading technology expert runs your engagement and brings in data scientists, engineers and delivery leads as the work needs them.
Why we're different
We care about your problems more than our own.
Your goals become our goals. We show up as an invested partner, not a vendor clocking hours.
We have an overdelivery problem.
We'd rather do too much than too little — expect more value delivered than what you signed up for.
We make the experience fun and enjoyable.
Achieving your goals should be a positive experience, and we ensure it is fun and enjoyable every step of the way.
Sensitive data, handled with care
Much of our work involves data that can't leak: customer records, employee data, financials and trade secrets. We build so your data stays in systems you control or that we run for you, with access limited to the people who need it. How much protection a project needs depends on the use case and an assessment of your risk and governance requirements, so we start there.
Let's talk.
High stakes, sensitive data, or a deadline that will not move? Tell us what you are launching.
Pencil in an intro call